Retired RADM reappointed as university chancellor

Rear Admiral (Ret'’d) Kevin Scarce AC, CSC has been reappointed as chancellor of the University of Adelaide, continuing in his governance role at the university for a further two years.

The university said its council's decision to reappoint Scarce for a third term until 30 November 2020 comes at a time when the university is embarking on a new strategic planning process.

"Being appointed chancellor of the University of Adelaide has been a great honour. I welcome the opportunity to continue in this role at an exciting time in the university's history," Scarce said.

"Under the leadership of the new vice-chancellor, Professor Peter Rathjen, the university has begun the process to develop a new Strategic Plan. Council is keen to assist Peter – and all the staff and students at the university – in this new phase in our history. I look forward to working closely with Peter on this reinvigorated direction, which will see the University of Adelaide make an even greater contribution to our students' education, our researchers' innovation, and the economic and social fabric of South Australia.

"I thank my fellow council members, especially the deputy chancellor the Hon Cathy Branson QC, for their ongoing support. I look forward to what we can achieve together over the coming years."

Scarce was the 34th governor of South Australia from 2007 to 2014 and was appointed as the 16th chancellor of the University of Adelaide in 2014.

Professor Rathjen welcomed Scarce's reappointment.

"Kevin has been a strong supporter of the University of Adelaide for many years, and he offers a unique set of experiences and insights to lead our council. He has a long history of working productively with both government and industry. Importantly, he shares our vision to strengthen our position as one of Australia’s most distinctive universities, which will have great benefits for South Australia," Professor Rathjen said.

Born in Adelaide and educated at Elizabeth East Primary School and Elizabeth High School, Scarce saw active service in the Royal Australia Navy from 1968. He later specialised in military logistics and procurement, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral and head of maritime systems at the Defence Materiel Organisation.

As head of South Australian’s Defence Unit, he led a government team that contributed to ASC winning the $6 billion contract to build the three air warfare destroyers for the Australian Defence Force. He is on many boards in South Australia, is chair of the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority, and president of Cancer Council SA and Novita.

Scarce is also chancellor of Children’s University Australia, which is based at the University of Adelaide.